AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The work that Adam Maggard, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System forestry specialist, does for Alabama forestland owners was recently recognized on a national stage. Maggard was honored by the Forest Landowners Association and Forest Landowners Foundation as the 2023 Extension Forester of the Year. The award is given to an outstanding Extension educator with a dedication to landowner education.

Maggard said it is an honor to receive this award because he has dedicated his life’s work to private landowners.

“I am honored to receive the Extension Forester of the Year Award presented by the Forest Landowners Association and the Forest Landowner Foundation,” Maggard said.” To receive such a high recognition that is dependent on nominations from forestland owners is dignifying.”

2023 Extension Forester of the Year

To be eligible for this award, Extension educators must meet the following criteria:

• Publish and present educational material geared toward private landowners
• Interact with landowners one-on-one and in groups
• Be in practice for more than five years 

Becky Barlow, the Alabama Extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resources programming, said Maggard winning this prestigious award is well deserved.

“Dr. Maggard’s has developed a comprehensive Extension program that benefits landowners and the forest industry,” Barlow said. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Maggard as part of the Alabama Extension team.”

Maggard said private forestland owners have made immensely positive impacts and contributions to Alabama’s economy, communities and natural resources.

“Every day I work for the betterment of forestland owners through education,” Maggard said. “Interacting with private landowners and providing them with educational material and programming through Extension to assist them with their goals, objectives and decision-making is my passion. I am grateful for my opportunity to collaborate with and contribute to the Forest Landowners Association, the Forest Landowners Foundation and their members.”

More Information

The Forest Landowners Association works to acknowledged the economic and environmental contributions that forestland owners’ forests make to society. In doing so, their vision looks to achieve the following:

• Establish a regulatory framework that benefits working forests and the landowners who maintain them
• Ensure a legacy of sustainable and profitable forest ownership for future generations
• Provide economic opportunities for their forest products
• Guarantee free and open markets

To find educational materials produced by Maggard, visit the Forestry section of the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu.